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Kallattian Saga #1
Deathless Beast
Fates intertwine - Pantheon calls - Darkness Grows
Far too many blame their own bad luck on Hanen and Rallia Clouw. When opportunity knocks, they leap to put their past behind them.
In the turmoil of a holy order fraught with lies, frustration, and heresy, the paladin Jined Brazstein is called to deeper faith.
When Katiam takes up a seemingly ageless seed pod from a botanist's desk, she cannot imagine the change it will bring.
Life stirs within that seed, the path to deeper faith beckons, profits are made upon the road, darkness moves--a winged, deathless wrath invisible to the gods.
For those who seek the heroes path,
Fate takes more than bargained for.
Hubris breeds a deathless wrath,
That always hungers after more.
Deathless Beast is Volume One of the Kallattian Saga, the Epic Fantasy series from Andrew D Meredith.
*Previously Published as Books 1-3 of the Kallattian Cycle*
Far too many blame their own bad luck on Hanen and Rallia Clouw. When opportunity knocks, they leap to put their past behind them.
In the turmoil of a holy order fraught with lies, frustration, and heresy, the paladin Jined Brazstein is called to deeper faith.
When Katiam takes up a seemingly ageless seed pod from a botanist's desk, she cannot imagine the change it will bring.
Life stirs within that seed, the path to deeper faith beckons, profits are made upon the road, darkness moves--a winged, deathless wrath invisible to the gods.
For those who seek the heroes path,
Fate takes more than bargained for.
Hubris breeds a deathless wrath,
That always hungers after more.
Deathless Beast is Volume One of the Kallattian Saga, the Epic Fantasy series from Andrew D Meredith.
*Previously Published as Books 1-3 of the Kallattian Cycle*
618 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
41 people are currently reading
1200 people want to read
About the author
Andrew D. Meredith
17 books171 followersAndrew D Meredith’s journey has taken him to many fantastical places. From selling books in the wilds of western Washington to designing and publishing board games in the great white midwest. He’s now committed to the quest he was called to so long ago: the telling of fantastical tales, and bringing to life underestimated characters willing to take on the responsibilities no one else will.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 20, 2024
My complete review of Deathless Beast is published at Grimdark Magazine.
Andrew D. Meredith combines maximalist worldbuilding with a nuanced character-driven plot in Deathless Beast, the first volume of his epic fantasy series, The Kallattian Saga.
With Deathless Beast, Meredith has created a marvelously complex world that feels Tolkienesque in its scope and detail, but without falling into the usual epic fantasy trap of copying The Lord of the Rings. Meredith looks past the use of classic Tolkien fantasy elements (elves, dwarfs, orcs, etc.) to create his own world that feels wholly original, complete with its own set of fantastical fauna, races, religions, and more. If your goal with reading fantasy is to lose yourself in a wondrous new world, then look no further than Deathless Beast.
The worldbuilding itself is introduced through Malazan-style immersion, without any handholding or info dumps in the main text. Fortunately, readers can consult several glossaries in the back of the book to help keep track of the characters and other elements of worldbuilding. The glossaries gave just the right level of detail so that I never felt lost reading the novel.
Despite the vastness and intricacy of the worldbuilding, Deathless Beast is fundamentally a character-driven story. My favorite characters are Hanen and Rallia Clouw, a brother-and-sister duo that serve as part of the Black Sentinels, a group of mercenaries for hire who have their own code of honor. Mercenary work is a family business for the Clouws, but the other Black Sentinels don’t necessarily share the same sense of loyalty.
The next point-of-view character is Jined Brazstein, a Paladin of the Hammer, a holy order of knights. Jined feels called to a deeper faith while the Paladin order itself appears to be on the decline.
The final main character is Katiam Borreau, a Paladame of the Rose, a female holy order analogous to the Paladins. Katiam serves as personal physician to both the Matriarch of her order and the Prima Pater (first father) of the Paladins. Katiam feels like her life has been decided for her, but new possibilities open when she makes an unexpected discovery.
Religion is featured prominently in Deathless Beast, including a fully developed polytheistic belief system with a complex set of religious vows. All of these details are spelled out clearly in the glossaries. However, the real focus of Deathless Beast is not on organized religion itself, but on the personal faith of its principal characters as they strive to find a deeper purpose in their lives. This personal focus makes the characters feel real and relatable.
Andrew D. Meredith’s prose has a classic feel but without the stiffness sometimes associated with epic fantasy. The plot itself is a slow burn, full of introspective dialogue. Meredith’s unhurried, contemplative writing recalls Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time. But Deathless Beast also features several well-written action scenes interspersed throughout the longer, more introspective passages.
Although Deathless Beast has a few dark scenes, it is not nearly as dark as one might infer from the cover. Rather, the author has unabashedly embraced the “epic” in epic fantasy.
Grimdark readers, nevertheless, will appreciate the depth of Meredith’s character development and the full range of gray morality at play amongst the Dark Sentinels and Paladins, with plenty of corruption hiding beneath the surface. My favorite scene came about 75% into the novel, when we learn the origin of the titular beast. Although much of the plot felt like setup for future volumes of the series, Deathless Beast does have a satisfying, albeit somewhat abrupt, conclusion.
At its best, Deathless Beast will restore your faith in classic epic fantasy, combining Tolkienesque worldbuilding with a Proustian level of elegance and introspection. I look forward to reading more in this world.
Andrew D. Meredith combines maximalist worldbuilding with a nuanced character-driven plot in Deathless Beast, the first volume of his epic fantasy series, The Kallattian Saga.
With Deathless Beast, Meredith has created a marvelously complex world that feels Tolkienesque in its scope and detail, but without falling into the usual epic fantasy trap of copying The Lord of the Rings. Meredith looks past the use of classic Tolkien fantasy elements (elves, dwarfs, orcs, etc.) to create his own world that feels wholly original, complete with its own set of fantastical fauna, races, religions, and more. If your goal with reading fantasy is to lose yourself in a wondrous new world, then look no further than Deathless Beast.
The worldbuilding itself is introduced through Malazan-style immersion, without any handholding or info dumps in the main text. Fortunately, readers can consult several glossaries in the back of the book to help keep track of the characters and other elements of worldbuilding. The glossaries gave just the right level of detail so that I never felt lost reading the novel.
Despite the vastness and intricacy of the worldbuilding, Deathless Beast is fundamentally a character-driven story. My favorite characters are Hanen and Rallia Clouw, a brother-and-sister duo that serve as part of the Black Sentinels, a group of mercenaries for hire who have their own code of honor. Mercenary work is a family business for the Clouws, but the other Black Sentinels don’t necessarily share the same sense of loyalty.
The next point-of-view character is Jined Brazstein, a Paladin of the Hammer, a holy order of knights. Jined feels called to a deeper faith while the Paladin order itself appears to be on the decline.
The final main character is Katiam Borreau, a Paladame of the Rose, a female holy order analogous to the Paladins. Katiam serves as personal physician to both the Matriarch of her order and the Prima Pater (first father) of the Paladins. Katiam feels like her life has been decided for her, but new possibilities open when she makes an unexpected discovery.
Religion is featured prominently in Deathless Beast, including a fully developed polytheistic belief system with a complex set of religious vows. All of these details are spelled out clearly in the glossaries. However, the real focus of Deathless Beast is not on organized religion itself, but on the personal faith of its principal characters as they strive to find a deeper purpose in their lives. This personal focus makes the characters feel real and relatable.
Andrew D. Meredith’s prose has a classic feel but without the stiffness sometimes associated with epic fantasy. The plot itself is a slow burn, full of introspective dialogue. Meredith’s unhurried, contemplative writing recalls Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time. But Deathless Beast also features several well-written action scenes interspersed throughout the longer, more introspective passages.
Although Deathless Beast has a few dark scenes, it is not nearly as dark as one might infer from the cover. Rather, the author has unabashedly embraced the “epic” in epic fantasy.
Grimdark readers, nevertheless, will appreciate the depth of Meredith’s character development and the full range of gray morality at play amongst the Dark Sentinels and Paladins, with plenty of corruption hiding beneath the surface. My favorite scene came about 75% into the novel, when we learn the origin of the titular beast. Although much of the plot felt like setup for future volumes of the series, Deathless Beast does have a satisfying, albeit somewhat abrupt, conclusion.
At its best, Deathless Beast will restore your faith in classic epic fantasy, combining Tolkienesque worldbuilding with a Proustian level of elegance and introspection. I look forward to reading more in this world.
December 13, 2024
4.5 / 5 stars
Wow. Going into this book, I was expecting epic fantasy with a nod to classic giants of the genre. I was expecting impressive worldbuilding. I was expecting a few deep themes threaded through the narrative.
What Meredith has created in this book is the most incredible level of worldbuilding detail that I've seen since reading Malazan Book of the Fallen, but with a completely different twist and tone. This book delves into levels of detail to rival Tolkien, and serves up a rich serving of characters with a multi-faceted view of the world around them.
Darkness has a part to play in this story, but unlike Tolkien, the good and evil in Kallattai is not quite as black and white. Each storyline interweaves masterfully with the next, unveiling layer after layer of immersive storytelling.
Meredith delves heavily into themes of deeply held beliefs and the people who hold them. Religion, honor, and the pursuit of truth weave throughout the perspectives of the members of the holy orders that we are introduced to. Friendship, found family, and loyalty also have big roles to play.
This is a book told by an author who has a deeply ingrained love of traditional storytelling, somehow bringing the gripping narration of a bard around a roaring hearth fire to the pages of a modern fantasy classic.
Wow. Going into this book, I was expecting epic fantasy with a nod to classic giants of the genre. I was expecting impressive worldbuilding. I was expecting a few deep themes threaded through the narrative.
What Meredith has created in this book is the most incredible level of worldbuilding detail that I've seen since reading Malazan Book of the Fallen, but with a completely different twist and tone. This book delves into levels of detail to rival Tolkien, and serves up a rich serving of characters with a multi-faceted view of the world around them.
Darkness has a part to play in this story, but unlike Tolkien, the good and evil in Kallattai is not quite as black and white. Each storyline interweaves masterfully with the next, unveiling layer after layer of immersive storytelling.
Meredith delves heavily into themes of deeply held beliefs and the people who hold them. Religion, honor, and the pursuit of truth weave throughout the perspectives of the members of the holy orders that we are introduced to. Friendship, found family, and loyalty also have big roles to play.
This is a book told by an author who has a deeply ingrained love of traditional storytelling, somehow bringing the gripping narration of a bard around a roaring hearth fire to the pages of a modern fantasy classic.
November 22, 2022
4.5/5
There is just something about Andrew D Meredith’s Writing that makes you sink into the story!
Deathless beasts and this series is my new comfort read! I enjoy the day in the life of Merchant guards and Paladins.
The storytelling and world-building feel effortless and rich.
There are many times I sit down to listen to the audiobook which is narrated by the author where I feel like I blink and 5 chapters have gone by and I feel like I KNOW what it would be like to be a Paladin In this fantasy world
In the first chapter, I was a hair confused about what griefdark was “it is a plant”. But after that, I chugged through this story and was never bored. If you are looking for great battles and explosive climaxes this isn’t that kind of fantasy it’s more realistic and nuanced than that. I found it fresh and new and very engaging. I can’t wait for more Kallation Cycle!
There is just something about Andrew D Meredith’s Writing that makes you sink into the story!
Deathless beasts and this series is my new comfort read! I enjoy the day in the life of Merchant guards and Paladins.
The storytelling and world-building feel effortless and rich.
There are many times I sit down to listen to the audiobook which is narrated by the author where I feel like I blink and 5 chapters have gone by and I feel like I KNOW what it would be like to be a Paladin In this fantasy world
In the first chapter, I was a hair confused about what griefdark was “it is a plant”. But after that, I chugged through this story and was never bored. If you are looking for great battles and explosive climaxes this isn’t that kind of fantasy it’s more realistic and nuanced than that. I found it fresh and new and very engaging. I can’t wait for more Kallation Cycle!
Read
August 9, 2023If you are looking for a unique combination of in depth religious orders, with distinct sects and male and female denominations, fighting paladins and pacifists, healers and guardians of knowledge, silent monks, and women facing age old oppressive trends for common cause, mixed with mercenaries who defend caravans, and a slow burn, building intrigue that builds into a dire plot, set in an intricate, original world with a sprinkling of charitable philosophy and a varied spread of characters - this book mixes action and intrigue with slice of life in a manner I have never encountered. Sinister evil is stirring, but far from the usual slant on a dark lord, this book ranges from ascetic heroics, selfless acts done for the betterment of humanity, to the common board games and beer in the wayside tavern. Told in straightforward language, the plot here is anything but simple, and the meandering clues driving the events will keep the reader guessing along the way.
November 22, 2022
Please read my review at the following link:
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2022/...
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, Happy Reading and Stay Great!!
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2022/...
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, Happy Reading and Stay Great!!
September 5, 2025
Deathless Beast is the opening entry in Andrew D Meredith’s Kallattian saga. It’s also a difficult book to summarize in a lot of ways.
The best way I can describe is Pillars of the Earth meets The Blade Itself as written by noblebright author Stephen R. Lawhead. The story is spread mainly over three different plot lines. One covers a pair of mercenary siblings as they get an assignment that will take them in some dark directions. The other two plot lines cover two different sets of paladins as they seek to understand the will of their gods better and the conflicts between following the strict religious rules and being involved in political conflicts that are brewing.
Meredith has built out a large world in this series and in a lot of ways sections of this book can feel like a prequel and it feels like we’re just scratching the surface. Now some of the worldbuilding didn’t track with me, but most of that is the elements pertaining to the political conflicts. (Which wasn’t my favorite of the subplots)
My favorite part of this book, by far is the worldbuilding around the paladins. The subplots regarding them were the best, those characters were my favorite, and learning more about their belief systems were a highlight of the book.
Meredith writes a fictional religion better than most fantasy authors that I’ve read. His writing shows a full knowledge of, not just of the function of religion with its uses and abuses, but also the internal experience of faith full of joy, doubt, grief, anger and endurance.
The structure of the book is similar to Pillars of the Earth. We get a mosaic of POVs to present a view of the world and its conflicts, and we follow them for large chunks of a time before switching to another POV. But there’s a similar vibe to The Blade Itself with a lot of the plot not seeming clear until some big reveals at the end. We see the characters and pieces being moved, and at the end things are revealed to show what the larger game will be.
One thing that I appreciate from Meredith in all his books is his beautiful writing and his efficiency on the page. A lesser author would have told this story in at least 1.5 - 2x the page count. Theres not a wasted chapter in this book, and I appreciate that.
The book is a slow burn, but if you’re ok being slowly steeped into the world, learning about new factions and creatures, and experiencing people of faith in a whole new way then you’re in for a real treat.
Probably my favorite novel from Meredith so far. I’m excited to continue on with the series.
The best way I can describe is Pillars of the Earth meets The Blade Itself as written by noblebright author Stephen R. Lawhead. The story is spread mainly over three different plot lines. One covers a pair of mercenary siblings as they get an assignment that will take them in some dark directions. The other two plot lines cover two different sets of paladins as they seek to understand the will of their gods better and the conflicts between following the strict religious rules and being involved in political conflicts that are brewing.
Meredith has built out a large world in this series and in a lot of ways sections of this book can feel like a prequel and it feels like we’re just scratching the surface. Now some of the worldbuilding didn’t track with me, but most of that is the elements pertaining to the political conflicts. (Which wasn’t my favorite of the subplots)
My favorite part of this book, by far is the worldbuilding around the paladins. The subplots regarding them were the best, those characters were my favorite, and learning more about their belief systems were a highlight of the book.
Meredith writes a fictional religion better than most fantasy authors that I’ve read. His writing shows a full knowledge of, not just of the function of religion with its uses and abuses, but also the internal experience of faith full of joy, doubt, grief, anger and endurance.
The structure of the book is similar to Pillars of the Earth. We get a mosaic of POVs to present a view of the world and its conflicts, and we follow them for large chunks of a time before switching to another POV. But there’s a similar vibe to The Blade Itself with a lot of the plot not seeming clear until some big reveals at the end. We see the characters and pieces being moved, and at the end things are revealed to show what the larger game will be.
One thing that I appreciate from Meredith in all his books is his beautiful writing and his efficiency on the page. A lesser author would have told this story in at least 1.5 - 2x the page count. Theres not a wasted chapter in this book, and I appreciate that.
The book is a slow burn, but if you’re ok being slowly steeped into the world, learning about new factions and creatures, and experiencing people of faith in a whole new way then you’re in for a real treat.
Probably my favorite novel from Meredith so far. I’m excited to continue on with the series.
December 26, 2022
I was originally given this as an ARC to read and I'm finally done (because I'm a slow reader). This was certainly an epic fantasy story with Tolkein and Robert Jordan-worthy worldbuilding. Meredith has crafted such a vast and rich world to explore, and I was very thankful for the glossary in the back because I got lost keeping track of all the characters and the pantheon of deities in this world. The best way I can describe this book is that it's like a loaf of bread (which is ironic since there is a whole chapter dedicated to bread and a holiday called bread day, something I approve of). This story is dense and hearty, full of nuts and fruits, and, what's this? Paladins? Yes, paladins and paladames. Everything came together in the end, and I said "oh" when I saw the book title and even the title for book 2 in the story. The ending scene was not something I suspected. it was also interesting to see the gods of this world actually interacting with the characters of this world and not simply being myths. And Meredith made a good job of creating some great antagonists. Ghore may have been terrifying, but Dane ranked above him on my least likable character list. I really enjoyed Katiam and Jined, along with the twins. I'm still keeping my eye on the mysterious pod. I also enjoyed one scene in particular with a little wyloth clutching some keys. Both adorable and foreboding. The pacing did feel at times slow, and I would have connected more with the characters if there had been some internal thoughts about what was happening around them and to them because there were moments where I wasn't getting many emotional reactions from the main POVs. I look forward to seeing what happens to these characters in book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2023
"Silence. Friend and enemy to all."
Deathless Beast is the first instalment of the epic series, The Kallattian Saga. It's a complex story with unique worldbuilding, religion, creatures and characters - I'll admit that the first chapter had me wanting to draw maps and lists (fortunately there is an amazing glossary in the back of the book). The story follows multiple characters who are each on an intriguing journey that is expertly paced so that I never felt bored while in each POV.
The author explores themes of honour, family, loyalty and, most importantly, choice. One of my favourite aspects was the interaction of the gods in this world, who didn't feel removed or distant from what was happening.
I can't wait to explore this world further.
Deathless Beast is the first instalment of the epic series, The Kallattian Saga. It's a complex story with unique worldbuilding, religion, creatures and characters - I'll admit that the first chapter had me wanting to draw maps and lists (fortunately there is an amazing glossary in the back of the book). The story follows multiple characters who are each on an intriguing journey that is expertly paced so that I never felt bored while in each POV.
The author explores themes of honour, family, loyalty and, most importantly, choice. One of my favourite aspects was the interaction of the gods in this world, who didn't feel removed or distant from what was happening.
I can't wait to explore this world further.
November 15, 2023
Deathless Beast is probably one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises I had when starting a new series without knowing too much about it before.
I guess I had a better surprise only after reading Gardens of the Moon.
Where I was expecting a classic but average epic fantasy, I found a fantastic book with a rich, immersive and original worldbuilding full of history, gods, religious factions, mysteries, and, most of all, great deep characters.
There is action and fighting, but the rhythm is quite slow and, together with the excellent writing style of Meredith, that made me lose completely in this amazing world.
I even slowed down my reading because I wanted to enjoy this experience for as long as possible and I didn't want it to finish too soon.
I can only congratulate Andrew D. Meredith for his excellent work and I really look forward to reading the next books in the series.
I guess I had a better surprise only after reading Gardens of the Moon.
Where I was expecting a classic but average epic fantasy, I found a fantastic book with a rich, immersive and original worldbuilding full of history, gods, religious factions, mysteries, and, most of all, great deep characters.
There is action and fighting, but the rhythm is quite slow and, together with the excellent writing style of Meredith, that made me lose completely in this amazing world.
I even slowed down my reading because I wanted to enjoy this experience for as long as possible and I didn't want it to finish too soon.
I can only congratulate Andrew D. Meredith for his excellent work and I really look forward to reading the next books in the series.
June 10, 2023
Do you want to transported to a living, breathing, well-defined world? Then Deathless Beast is the book for you. With the first book in the Kallatian Saga, Andrew D. Meredith has crafted an epic and foreboding world the depths of which should be in the same conversation as Tolkien and Erikson.
There's a very unique story at play here with a strong focus on religious devotion and faith, and the dangerous roads blind devotion can lead a person. The Paladins and Paladames in particular are expertly crafted and go beyond just an order of holy knights as is the typical portrayal, with a depth to them that is entirely fresh to genre conventions. Divine intervention also plays a role in interesting ways, and it allows the stories to take some twists and turns that I genuinely did not see coming.
The book does suffer a bit from a deliberately slow pace, though it's easily forgivable given how immersive and in-depth the worldbuilding is. This isn't a book to breeze through and jump from action to action; it's one that you explore, breathe, and exist in, as though you're walking alongside the core characters.
As much as I was already on board after reading Thrice, Deathless Beast only further cements how natural a storyteller Andrew D. Meredith is.
There's a very unique story at play here with a strong focus on religious devotion and faith, and the dangerous roads blind devotion can lead a person. The Paladins and Paladames in particular are expertly crafted and go beyond just an order of holy knights as is the typical portrayal, with a depth to them that is entirely fresh to genre conventions. Divine intervention also plays a role in interesting ways, and it allows the stories to take some twists and turns that I genuinely did not see coming.
The book does suffer a bit from a deliberately slow pace, though it's easily forgivable given how immersive and in-depth the worldbuilding is. This isn't a book to breeze through and jump from action to action; it's one that you explore, breathe, and exist in, as though you're walking alongside the core characters.
As much as I was already on board after reading Thrice, Deathless Beast only further cements how natural a storyteller Andrew D. Meredith is.
June 7, 2023
2,5 steluțe I struggled to finish the book
January 14, 2023
Loved the world building. I always like it when we learn about the world while the plot is moving without info dumps. Meredith did that perfectly. And I loved the characters. There isn't a single dull moment with any of the characters including secondary characters.
The main focus of the book is religion and what role it plays in this world. Religion as a theme is usually complicated for me but what Meredith did is just brilliant, especially his execution of women's sect and their commitment. Looking forward to read more in this world.
Full video review to come.
The main focus of the book is religion and what role it plays in this world. Religion as a theme is usually complicated for me but what Meredith did is just brilliant, especially his execution of women's sect and their commitment. Looking forward to read more in this world.
Full video review to come.
January 20, 2023
Loved it, gonna wait till I finish Bone Shroud to do a double review! Get this book.
December 11, 2022
The veil which covers the order has each strive to find their sense of purpose & right. Underneath corruption stirs & a deathless beast takes flight. Rich realized world. Philosophical. Had me at Paladins. Fantastic.
March 8, 2023
Deathless Beast is a slow burn fantasy story that is driven by its world-building first, and you’ll possess a special skill, that I regrettably lack, if you’re able to keep up with the bombardment of names and concepts without ever flipping back to the glossary. I say this up front because for many people, any or all of those things will be a sign that this book isn’t for them, and I will freely admit that Deathless Beast exists within its own niche. If you’re anything like me however, then this book will be one of the best fantasy books you’ve ever read.
I love the concept of paladins, but for the longest time the only stories available to me have depicted them in only the narrowest of ways. They might be honourable knights in gleaming armour, they might take a heroic oath or wield divine magic, but fundamentally they’re rarely seen as anything more than another kick-ass sword & shield archetype. What I’ve always felt was lacking, and what Andrew D Meredith has given me with this book, is the importance of faith and structured religion to the concept. Meredith’s paladins and paladames are so fully realized in Deathless Beast that I’m able to lose myself in their doctrine, their bureaucracy, their endless debate and interpretation of scripture, and the human mundanity to it all. They still retain that core essence of holy knights blending duty and magic together, but the world-building on display elevates them further, giving them a sense of realness and order, creating definition that no other portrayal has managed to attain.
And in case you start to think that I only appreciated Deathless Beast for its paladins, allow me to correct that mistaken assumption.
There was simply no such thing as a boring chapter in this book, and I credit that to Meredith’s ability to write compelling character focused dialogue. I mentioned before that this is a world-building first experience, much in the same way that the Malazan series is; but whereas I bounced hard off of that series for what I described as an inability to write clear and believable characters, Deathless Beast manages to balance its vast mystic world, and the machinations of the wider story, against point of view characters that fundamentally feel real. So often in the conversations we have about books do these separate functions seem at opposition with one another, and it’s books like this that remind me that we can just have both, and it’s beautiful.
Furthermore, I appreciated how hopeful and emotionally sensitive this story was. You have women supporting women, for the sake of doing the right thing and acting in solidarity, which felt refreshing for how shockingly rare that can be to find in the genre. Yet you also have damaged men sharing tearful hugs, mending their old wounds through compassion, forgiveness and understanding, reinforcing a side to masculinity that is openly aspirational. And I have so many good examples to give in this vein, as Meredith constantly reminded me of how the greatest in humanity can be brought out in the darkest of places.
I must still talk about flaws, as no work exists without them. And in this case it has to be the prose. While there are examples of poeticism (even outright poetry in the case of the exerts presented at the start of each chapter), one complaint that regularly came to my mind while reading was how the dialogue would be unsupported by any description or kineticsm. There’s an abundance of “he said”, “she asked”, “they nodded”, and after a while I itched for something more flowery to inspire my imagination. To be clear, the book doesn’t lack that in its entirety, but there absolutely was sections of dialogue that never stopped to tell me what the characters were doing, or how they were expressing their emotions. It had the unfortunate consequence of seeming point to point, almost like it was in a rush to get somewhere, when I would have been perfectly happy lingering in the moment a while.
I suspect for some, that last point might be a considerable barrier to their engagement, but for me, any negative to be found here was overwhelmingly washed away by the sheer joy I experienced while reading this story. It’s original and thoughtful, with an innate humanity that many of its contemporaries strive towards, yet fail to fully capture. I was left with an overpowering desire to learn more about the world, to share more experiences with the characters, and to see more horizons in the world of Kallattia. So getting past my relentless gushing, I adored this book, and at risk of speaking prematurely, I consider it to be one of the best – if not the best – fantasy book I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
I love the concept of paladins, but for the longest time the only stories available to me have depicted them in only the narrowest of ways. They might be honourable knights in gleaming armour, they might take a heroic oath or wield divine magic, but fundamentally they’re rarely seen as anything more than another kick-ass sword & shield archetype. What I’ve always felt was lacking, and what Andrew D Meredith has given me with this book, is the importance of faith and structured religion to the concept. Meredith’s paladins and paladames are so fully realized in Deathless Beast that I’m able to lose myself in their doctrine, their bureaucracy, their endless debate and interpretation of scripture, and the human mundanity to it all. They still retain that core essence of holy knights blending duty and magic together, but the world-building on display elevates them further, giving them a sense of realness and order, creating definition that no other portrayal has managed to attain.
And in case you start to think that I only appreciated Deathless Beast for its paladins, allow me to correct that mistaken assumption.
There was simply no such thing as a boring chapter in this book, and I credit that to Meredith’s ability to write compelling character focused dialogue. I mentioned before that this is a world-building first experience, much in the same way that the Malazan series is; but whereas I bounced hard off of that series for what I described as an inability to write clear and believable characters, Deathless Beast manages to balance its vast mystic world, and the machinations of the wider story, against point of view characters that fundamentally feel real. So often in the conversations we have about books do these separate functions seem at opposition with one another, and it’s books like this that remind me that we can just have both, and it’s beautiful.
Furthermore, I appreciated how hopeful and emotionally sensitive this story was. You have women supporting women, for the sake of doing the right thing and acting in solidarity, which felt refreshing for how shockingly rare that can be to find in the genre. Yet you also have damaged men sharing tearful hugs, mending their old wounds through compassion, forgiveness and understanding, reinforcing a side to masculinity that is openly aspirational. And I have so many good examples to give in this vein, as Meredith constantly reminded me of how the greatest in humanity can be brought out in the darkest of places.
I must still talk about flaws, as no work exists without them. And in this case it has to be the prose. While there are examples of poeticism (even outright poetry in the case of the exerts presented at the start of each chapter), one complaint that regularly came to my mind while reading was how the dialogue would be unsupported by any description or kineticsm. There’s an abundance of “he said”, “she asked”, “they nodded”, and after a while I itched for something more flowery to inspire my imagination. To be clear, the book doesn’t lack that in its entirety, but there absolutely was sections of dialogue that never stopped to tell me what the characters were doing, or how they were expressing their emotions. It had the unfortunate consequence of seeming point to point, almost like it was in a rush to get somewhere, when I would have been perfectly happy lingering in the moment a while.
I suspect for some, that last point might be a considerable barrier to their engagement, but for me, any negative to be found here was overwhelmingly washed away by the sheer joy I experienced while reading this story. It’s original and thoughtful, with an innate humanity that many of its contemporaries strive towards, yet fail to fully capture. I was left with an overpowering desire to learn more about the world, to share more experiences with the characters, and to see more horizons in the world of Kallattia. So getting past my relentless gushing, I adored this book, and at risk of speaking prematurely, I consider it to be one of the best – if not the best – fantasy book I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
November 7, 2022
This has everything you want in an epic fantasy novel. Intricate world building, good vs evil vs meh. you think you know who are the 'good guys' and then - not so much. The characters are certainly complex and the story is sweeping across geography, distinct people types, distinct flora and fauna. It introduced some inner worlds and concepts (no spoilers) that I'd not seen in other fantasy novels which was refreshing. There are characters you start to deeply care about and others you start to deeply loath. I also appreciated the way the writing let me see, smell, sense and hear the world around me. Absolutely recommend this and waiting for volume 2
April 14, 2023
Full review to come soon.
This is an incredible feat of worldbuilding while keeping the reader engaged with characters. There is a lot going on in this world, but the complexity only adds to the narrative. The history of the world slowly unfolds through stories told throughout, but I especially liked the ones told around the campfire.
Deathless Beast is a great introduction to the Kallatian saga, which promises to be an ambitious epic to keep you hooked for a long time.
This is an incredible feat of worldbuilding while keeping the reader engaged with characters. There is a lot going on in this world, but the complexity only adds to the narrative. The history of the world slowly unfolds through stories told throughout, but I especially liked the ones told around the campfire.
Deathless Beast is a great introduction to the Kallatian saga, which promises to be an ambitious epic to keep you hooked for a long time.
November 28, 2022
“Let us visit the Judge together. I… suspect you won’t fare as well as I.”
Rarely do I think to write down quotes from books, but when this one came up, I couldn’t help but love it.
This book was awesome. Dark, realistic, but no unfortunate adult content. It was clean, and had no language, which just makes it so much better for me.
There was so much about this book that I really enjoyed, including the focus on faith, and how real it is to these characters.
The writing style was really easy to follow. The one thing I’d say is that it wasn’t as immersive as other stories. As in the description of locations and stuff. I also listened to the audiobook, and the narration is great. Very easy to follow for sure.
I will have a full review up on the channel at some point, so be sure to check back for more in-depth thoughts. Probably about a 4.5* for me.
Rarely do I think to write down quotes from books, but when this one came up, I couldn’t help but love it.
This book was awesome. Dark, realistic, but no unfortunate adult content. It was clean, and had no language, which just makes it so much better for me.
There was so much about this book that I really enjoyed, including the focus on faith, and how real it is to these characters.
The writing style was really easy to follow. The one thing I’d say is that it wasn’t as immersive as other stories. As in the description of locations and stuff. I also listened to the audiobook, and the narration is great. Very easy to follow for sure.
I will have a full review up on the channel at some point, so be sure to check back for more in-depth thoughts. Probably about a 4.5* for me.
August 22, 2023
Deathless Beast by Andrew D. Meredith is like a symphony of all the best parts of traditional epic fantasy, and it hit all the right notes for me. From the moment I cracked open its pages (er—popped in my earbuds), I was whisked away into a world that's both imaginative and deeply engaging, leaving me utterly captivated.
Meredith's storytelling is like a well-crafted tapestry, blending intricate world-building with characters that feel like old friends. Despite drawing from some more traditional fantasy world-building, it’s brimming with originality in terms of how it's all woven together. I enjoyed the mythological creatures like sleipnirs and manticors, was intrigued by griefdark, and the gods in the story have a unique twist. But what sets it apart is the shared belief system that unites everyone in Kallattia, giving a fresh take on faith and its complexities.
The characters are the heart and soul of this tale. Hanen and Rallia Clouw, Jined Brazstein, and Katiam Borreau, are all characters I wanted to root for, full of struggles and dreams that resonate deeply. I especially loved the brother-sister relationship and found it well developed and their relationship fully lived in. Meredith's prose is like a gentle current that carries you along, elegant yet easy to connect with. It's the kind of storytelling that sweeps you up so completely that hours can slip by unnoticed. Trust me. They quite literally did.
Some may find the book slower to start, but I had no qualms with the pacing and found it to fit well with the traditional storyteller style. I felt like I was gathered around a fire with an old friend while they relayed the epic events that transpired beneath a blanket of stars.
In the world of epic fantasy, Deathless Beast is a true gem that shines brightly. Andrew D. Meredith has crafted a tale that speaks to my love of rich storytelling and relatable characters. It's a reminder of the magic that lies within the pages of a well-told story, and I'm eagerly looking forward to what The Kallattian Saga has in store next.
Meredith's storytelling is like a well-crafted tapestry, blending intricate world-building with characters that feel like old friends. Despite drawing from some more traditional fantasy world-building, it’s brimming with originality in terms of how it's all woven together. I enjoyed the mythological creatures like sleipnirs and manticors, was intrigued by griefdark, and the gods in the story have a unique twist. But what sets it apart is the shared belief system that unites everyone in Kallattia, giving a fresh take on faith and its complexities.
The characters are the heart and soul of this tale. Hanen and Rallia Clouw, Jined Brazstein, and Katiam Borreau, are all characters I wanted to root for, full of struggles and dreams that resonate deeply. I especially loved the brother-sister relationship and found it well developed and their relationship fully lived in. Meredith's prose is like a gentle current that carries you along, elegant yet easy to connect with. It's the kind of storytelling that sweeps you up so completely that hours can slip by unnoticed. Trust me. They quite literally did.
Some may find the book slower to start, but I had no qualms with the pacing and found it to fit well with the traditional storyteller style. I felt like I was gathered around a fire with an old friend while they relayed the epic events that transpired beneath a blanket of stars.
In the world of epic fantasy, Deathless Beast is a true gem that shines brightly. Andrew D. Meredith has crafted a tale that speaks to my love of rich storytelling and relatable characters. It's a reminder of the magic that lies within the pages of a well-told story, and I'm eagerly looking forward to what The Kallattian Saga has in store next.
July 31, 2023
Complex World Building!
I have always been interested in paladins, and no one has ever dug so deep into the history, rules, and structure of an order of knights as Deathless Beast. In addition, there is an entire history and set of rules around the Black Sentinels, represented by my two favorite characters. My personal favorite love-to-hate character of the book was the paladin who simply could not get past his misogyny, using religious verse (misquoted) to justify his actions, and how the other paladins made him suffer for his pigheadedness. The author's surprising versatility with voices to the audiobook brought it all to life, like being told a story by a campfire.
I have always been interested in paladins, and no one has ever dug so deep into the history, rules, and structure of an order of knights as Deathless Beast. In addition, there is an entire history and set of rules around the Black Sentinels, represented by my two favorite characters. My personal favorite love-to-hate character of the book was the paladin who simply could not get past his misogyny, using religious verse (misquoted) to justify his actions, and how the other paladins made him suffer for his pigheadedness. The author's surprising versatility with voices to the audiobook brought it all to life, like being told a story by a campfire.
August 19, 2023
Updating with full review:
Deathless Beast is an epic fantasy book - the beginning of the Kallattian Saga - that examines the ideals of religion, war, and humanity in general. Meredith delves deep into the world building in this first book and sets the stage for epic adventures to come.
General observations: There were a lot of characters that - for me - had a lot of similarities and it was hard to keep them all seperate in my head. I felt like I needed to read this book while having a notebook next to me, to keep notes. It felt like Meredith's main focus was world building -which he did extensively, but for my reading preferences, a little too much - it needed a little bit more attention to the plot. The ending also felt a bit rushed and anti-climactic to me.
Now for the CAWPILE score break down: Total = 36.5/7 = 5.2 = 3 stars.
C haracters: 5 - For the most part the characters were ok; they weren't bad - they just didn't really have any that really stood out in my mind. And as I've said, there were a lot and a lot felt the same and were hard to keep track of.
A tmosphere/Setting: 7 - Fairly strong atmosphere and setting throughout the book. I could feel the tension at times and the ease at others. I could more or less imagine all the places they travelled to. The Atmosphere had it's high and low peaks.
W riting Style: 5.5 - Meredith's writing style - for me - was hard to read for a long time at once. It didn't feel bingeable as it was a lot of heavy prose and took a lot of focus (for me at least). I needed breaks in between chapters - and even sometimes among the chapters. I am interested to see how his writing style compares in his other series, which I hear is very different.
P lot: 3.5 - Honestly, for most of the book I didn't even know what the plot was - I still don't, really. It focused more on character building and world building - felt like the characters were just traveling throughout this world.
I ntrigue: 6 - At times the intrigue made more sense and was prevalent than other times. I never know what characters to really trust (is that intrigue?) - and I think that was intentional on Meredith's part.
L ogic/Relationships: 5 - When you think of relationships in Deathless Beast, think more along the lines of friendships, companionships and less romanticly. As they are mostly religious characters, there aren't too many romantic relationships. However the groupings that we do get I thought were good. Things almost made too much sense.
E njoyment: 4.5 - Honestly, I mostly just wanted this book to end, and then when it did - it felt like it ended too soon/quickly. The ending was too rushed for as epic as it was supposed to feel. I was intrigued enough to finish and see what happened but I'm not sure how much I actually enjoyed reading this. I did enjoy all the world building and see the world expand as the characters travelled though - and true expansion with different types of characters in each new place.
I was given a digital copy of Deathless Beast from the author in consideration of an honest review.
Deathless Beast is an epic fantasy book - the beginning of the Kallattian Saga - that examines the ideals of religion, war, and humanity in general. Meredith delves deep into the world building in this first book and sets the stage for epic adventures to come.
General observations: There were a lot of characters that - for me - had a lot of similarities and it was hard to keep them all seperate in my head. I felt like I needed to read this book while having a notebook next to me, to keep notes. It felt like Meredith's main focus was world building -which he did extensively, but for my reading preferences, a little too much - it needed a little bit more attention to the plot. The ending also felt a bit rushed and anti-climactic to me.
Now for the CAWPILE score break down: Total = 36.5/7 = 5.2 = 3 stars.
C haracters: 5 - For the most part the characters were ok; they weren't bad - they just didn't really have any that really stood out in my mind. And as I've said, there were a lot and a lot felt the same and were hard to keep track of.
A tmosphere/Setting: 7 - Fairly strong atmosphere and setting throughout the book. I could feel the tension at times and the ease at others. I could more or less imagine all the places they travelled to. The Atmosphere had it's high and low peaks.
W riting Style: 5.5 - Meredith's writing style - for me - was hard to read for a long time at once. It didn't feel bingeable as it was a lot of heavy prose and took a lot of focus (for me at least). I needed breaks in between chapters - and even sometimes among the chapters. I am interested to see how his writing style compares in his other series, which I hear is very different.
P lot: 3.5 - Honestly, for most of the book I didn't even know what the plot was - I still don't, really. It focused more on character building and world building - felt like the characters were just traveling throughout this world.
I ntrigue: 6 - At times the intrigue made more sense and was prevalent than other times. I never know what characters to really trust (is that intrigue?) - and I think that was intentional on Meredith's part.
L ogic/Relationships: 5 - When you think of relationships in Deathless Beast, think more along the lines of friendships, companionships and less romanticly. As they are mostly religious characters, there aren't too many romantic relationships. However the groupings that we do get I thought were good. Things almost made too much sense.
E njoyment: 4.5 - Honestly, I mostly just wanted this book to end, and then when it did - it felt like it ended too soon/quickly. The ending was too rushed for as epic as it was supposed to feel. I was intrigued enough to finish and see what happened but I'm not sure how much I actually enjoyed reading this. I did enjoy all the world building and see the world expand as the characters travelled though - and true expansion with different types of characters in each new place.
I was given a digital copy of Deathless Beast from the author in consideration of an honest review.
April 19, 2023
I listened to the audiobook. This was a book my wife had listened to and wanted me to listen as well and hear my reaction.
The book was well written and I could follow along fairly well. It was slow, so slow i nearly gave it a three star review. Some of the dialogue was lost on me but it was still well written. I enjoyed much of the “slow parts” i just felt there was a tad too many points that seemed to drag on is all. I felt some of the high points in the middle could have been more dramatic. I liked the lore and the “magic system.” I also liked most of the cast of characters and felt they were well developed. the ending gave this a four star to me as opposed to a three star because it brought the characters together, the lore together, and it was dramatic bringing intriguing elements that made me want to read the next book.
The book was well written and I could follow along fairly well. It was slow, so slow i nearly gave it a three star review. Some of the dialogue was lost on me but it was still well written. I enjoyed much of the “slow parts” i just felt there was a tad too many points that seemed to drag on is all. I felt some of the high points in the middle could have been more dramatic. I liked the lore and the “magic system.” I also liked most of the cast of characters and felt they were well developed. the ending gave this a four star to me as opposed to a three star because it brought the characters together, the lore together, and it was dramatic bringing intriguing elements that made me want to read the next book.
December 3, 2023
Deathless Beast brings to mind Tolkien when he writes Gandalf saying, “It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” He masterfully draws you into the world of Kallatia on the eve of a great upheaval yet he keeps the focus on complex character development rather than defaulting to catastrophes or mindless action to hold interest. The worldbuilding has a depth that reminds me of Tolkien because Andrew spends this entire book just setting the stage for the saga and introducing you to part of the world. Layer upon layer of history, politics, religion, and character interactions make for a fascinating read that whets the appetite for what will come next!
January 24, 2024
Deathless Beast is an epic in scope and depth, the culture/world is rich and inhabitable.
It's a story that takes its own characters and reality seriously. (I'm thinking of all of the attention paid to where money and food comes from and how it moves around, and how that actually matters in the lives of the characters - which is something I feel is often overlooked in fantasy)
The religious worldbuilding aspect was another enjoyable piece for me. It's portrayed like a mythological history whose players are buried deep into layers of folklore, but who are not always content to remain thus.
In short, I would highly recommend this, as someone who enjoys fresh complexity that is also still accessible.
It's a story that takes its own characters and reality seriously. (I'm thinking of all of the attention paid to where money and food comes from and how it moves around, and how that actually matters in the lives of the characters - which is something I feel is often overlooked in fantasy)
The religious worldbuilding aspect was another enjoyable piece for me. It's portrayed like a mythological history whose players are buried deep into layers of folklore, but who are not always content to remain thus.
In short, I would highly recommend this, as someone who enjoys fresh complexity that is also still accessible.
November 29, 2023
more 3.5
September 5, 2023
I listened to the audiobook for Deathless Beast, narrated by the author himself. We have a really expansive world, it's really well detailed, and a lot of people have made links to Tolkien for the worldbuilding. I can see where they are coming from with that in terms of the type of worldbuilding and some of the depth of it, but I wouldn't go as far as to make a link myself.
The story here didn't quite work for me. I felt that it was more about the world than it was about the characters or the plot, and I found myself zoning out a couple of times and having to backtrack to listen to a section again. I think for me, the narration was a little too soothing for this type of story, where it had a slow pace in many places. I found myself listening to the voice but not so much the words, and although I loved the worldbuilding and in particular some of the creatures we had here, I just wasn't able to get invested in any of the characters or the story itself.
The story here didn't quite work for me. I felt that it was more about the world than it was about the characters or the plot, and I found myself zoning out a couple of times and having to backtrack to listen to a section again. I think for me, the narration was a little too soothing for this type of story, where it had a slow pace in many places. I found myself listening to the voice but not so much the words, and although I loved the worldbuilding and in particular some of the creatures we had here, I just wasn't able to get invested in any of the characters or the story itself.
November 29, 2023
I’m gonna circle back around and write some more thoughts about this book, but I liked the book and I’m very excited to continue!
January 8, 2023
The engrossing world building that is accomplished in this installment of the Kallattian Saga is what makes this slow burn of an epic fantasy novel so fun to read. Andrew D. Meredith has established a world with Jarls, Jarlwives, Paladins, Paladames, Mercenaries, and Monks each sect with their own beliefs, ideals, and layers of intrigue.
Our story begins with a group of mercenaries (Black Sententials) guarding a traveling merchant caravan but from there we learn of the greater world with rumors of wars, betrayals, and even plots inside the world's religious sects. This is a slow burn of a tale with many POVs, character groups, battles, and political and religious intrigue. The ending sets up the plot and the world to expand and I look forward to Meredith's second installment in the Kallattian Saga.
If you like slow burn fantasies, epic fantasy, or stories with far reaching stakes this is the book for you.
Our story begins with a group of mercenaries (Black Sententials) guarding a traveling merchant caravan but from there we learn of the greater world with rumors of wars, betrayals, and even plots inside the world's religious sects. This is a slow burn of a tale with many POVs, character groups, battles, and political and religious intrigue. The ending sets up the plot and the world to expand and I look forward to Meredith's second installment in the Kallattian Saga.
If you like slow burn fantasies, epic fantasy, or stories with far reaching stakes this is the book for you.
February 6, 2025
A very enjoyable indie fantasy novel. The writing is polished, the characters are interesting, the world is fleshed out and alive, and the story is compelling and engaging. There is a lot to like if you are a patient reader. If not, if you need constant action, characters continually in perilous situations, and dark, impending doom, then this book is probably not for you. However, if you can handle a slow-cooked, but tasty meal, then look no further. I will add that the book does have some quality action sequences and there is an over-arching threat, but it builds slowly, mostly in the background, and the story feels more like a "slice-of-life" adventure. Still, I am anxious to see where the tale goes, and I am very interested in the further exploits of Hanen, Rallia, Jined, Katiam, Searn, and of course, Dorian Mür. Bring on book #2!
Note 1: There are some glossaries in the back of the book that are worth reading before you start. They set up the world and give you a little more insight into the various characters, gods, and groups featured in the tale. There are one or two very minor spoilers in the character descriptions, so you might want to skip those, but honestly, nothing earth-shattering.
Note 2: The Kickstarter version of the hardback is nice and sturdy - it feels "right" in my hands. Although, I do think I prefer the cover art on the original trade paperback to the minimalist art of the hardback.
Note 1: There are some glossaries in the back of the book that are worth reading before you start. They set up the world and give you a little more insight into the various characters, gods, and groups featured in the tale. There are one or two very minor spoilers in the character descriptions, so you might want to skip those, but honestly, nothing earth-shattering.
Note 2: The Kickstarter version of the hardback is nice and sturdy - it feels "right" in my hands. Although, I do think I prefer the cover art on the original trade paperback to the minimalist art of the hardback.
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